What a Texas driving record contains and who can see it

Your Texas driving record is a document maintained by the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) that lists your traffic violations, crashes, license suspensions, and convictions. It does not include parking tickets or violations that happened outside Texas. The record shows the date of each incident, what violation occurred, the fine amount if applicable, and whether you paid it.

Your record is not private. Insurers, employers, courts, and law enforcement can see it. Some employers in transportation, childcare, or security positions specifically request driving records before hiring. Insurance companies use it to set your rates. If you are explore for a commercial driver's license (CDL), your record determines whether you are allowed to hold one.

Texas keeps violations on your record for different lengths of time depending on the type. A minor traffic violation typically stays for three years. A DWI conviction stays for life, though it may not appear on some insurance-related reports after ten years. Accidents stay on record for three years from the date they occurred.

Key Takeaways

  • You can order your Texas driving record online through the DPS website, by mail, or in person at a DPS office, and the online method takes one to two business days.
  • A certified copy costs $6 and is required for court cases, insurance claims, and employment verification; an uncertified copy costs $3 and works for personal review.
  • Traffic violations stay on your record for three years, but DWI convictions remain permanently, and accidents stay for three years from the date they occurred.
  • You can dispute errors on your record by submitting a written request to DPS with supporting documents, though the process takes several weeks.

How to order your record online

The fastest way to get your Texas driving record is through the DPS website at dps.texas.gov. Go to the "Driver License" section and select "Order Your Driving Record." You will need your Texas driver's license number and the last four digits of your Social Security number to start the order.

Choose whether you want a certified or uncertified copy. A certified copy has an official seal and signature and is required if you need the record for court, insurance claims, or employment verification. An uncertified copy is cheaper and works if you just want to review your own record or check what an insurer or employer will see. Pay the fee with a credit or debit card. The record will be mailed to the address on file with your license within one to two business days.

If you need the record faster, some DPS offices offer same-day pickup if you order online and select that option. Check your local office's hours before you go, as not all locations offer this service.

Ordering by mail or in person

You can also request your record by mail. read the form from the DPS website (form DL-43) or call the DPS Driver License Division at 1-888-589-6900 to request one be mailed to you. Fill out the form with your name, license number, date of birth, and the type of copy you want. Include a check or money order for the fee and mail it to the address listed on the form.

Processing by mail takes two to three weeks, longer if the form is incomplete or the payment does not match the fee amount. If you are in a hurry, visit a DPS office in person. Bring your driver's license and payment (cash, check, or card depending on the location). You will receive your record the same day, though wait times vary by office and time of day.

Understanding violations and how long they stay on your record

Not all violations affect your record equally. A speeding ticket or failure to signal is a minor traffic violation and stays on your record for three years from the date of conviction (the date you paid the fine or were found guilty in court). After three years, it no longer appears on most reports, though DPS keeps the record in its system indefinitely.

A DWI (driving while intoxicated) conviction is permanent on your record. It will appear every time someone pulls your driving history, even decades later. A reckless driving conviction also stays permanently. At-fault accidents stay on your record for three years from the date of the crash, not from when you paid any settlement.

License suspensions appear on your record for the duration of the suspension plus three years after it is lifted. If your license was suspended for unpaid traffic fines, the suspension stays on record even after you pay, but it will show as "cleared" or "satisfied."

How violations affect insurance rates and employment

Insurance companies pull your driving record before issuing a policy and again periodically during your coverage. A single speeding ticket can raise your premium by 10 to 15 percent, depending on the insurer and your state. A DWI conviction typically raises rates by 50 to 100 percent or more, and some insurers will not cover you at all after a DWI.

Employers in certain industries—trucking, delivery, rideshare, security, and childcare—routinely check driving records. A DWI conviction, multiple violations, or a suspended license can disqualify you from these jobs. Even a few speeding tickets may count against you if the job involves driving. Some employers have specific policies about how many violations or how recent they must be to disqualify a candidate.

Disputing errors on your record

If your record shows a violation you do not believe is accurate, you can dispute it. Write a letter to the DPS Driver License Division explaining the error and what the correct information should be. Include copies of supporting documents—a court dismissal letter, proof of payment showing a different date, or a police report that contradicts what appears on your record.

Mail your dispute to the address listed on the DPS website or submit it in person at a DPS office. DPS will investigate and contact you within 30 to 60 days. If the error is confirmed, DPS will correct your record at no charge. If DPS determines the record is accurate, you can request a hearing to contest the decision, though this is rare and requires legal grounds.

Do not assume an old violation will disappear on its own. Three-year violations do fall off reports after three years, but they remain in the DPS system. If you need a clean record for employment or insurance purposes, check your record yourself first and dispute any errors before an employer or insurer sees them.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Texas driving record cost?

An uncertified copy costs $3, and a certified copy with an official seal costs $6. Fees are the same whether you order online, by mail, or in person. Some DPS offices may charge an additional fee for same-day pickup, typically $2 to $5.

Can I see what my insurance company sees on my record?

Your insurance company sees the same violations and accidents that appear on your certified driving record. The best way to know what they see is to order your own certified copy. This also lets you spot errors before they affect your rates.

Will a traffic ticket appear on my record if I paid it?

Yes. Paying a fine does not remove a violation from your record. It only shows that the fine was satisfied. The violation itself stays on your record for three years from the conviction date, regardless of whether you paid when ready or months later.

How do I check my record if I lost my driver's license number?

You can still order your record online or by mail using your name, date of birth, and the last four digits of your Social Security number. If you are ordering in person, bring a photo ID and DPS will look up your record by name and date of birth.

Does my record show speeding tickets from other states?

No. Your Texas driving record shows only violations that occurred in Texas. However, if you were convicted in another state and that state reported it to Texas, it may appear. Most states do share serious violations like DWI, but minor traffic tickets typically do not transfer between states.